Fire Country gave viewers a taste of Mickey’s style of handling Edgewater’s citizens with care, kindness, and a bit of snark in two guest spots. But her own show will throw us into the deep end of what she deals with on the streets and at home.

In an interview with TV Insider, Sheriff Country showrunner Matt Lopez spoke about the difference between Mickey Fox’s approach to policing and that of law enforcement in big cities. The human aspect of her job takes the series into “very interesting places” that draw a distinct contrast from the flagship show, which deals with the element of nature.

What Sheriff Country’s Darker Storylines Mean For The Fire Country Franchise

While Sheriff Country will maintain the same family-centered narratives that the flagship is known for, the fact that the series is a cop procedural means it’ll likely be less soapy. However, that doesn’t mean the series won’t have heart. Lopez mentioned that Mickey’s superpower is connecting with the people of Edgewater.

It will give her a blind spot, but it also ensures that she’ll meet folks where they are and not jump to conclusions. She knows their circumstances and their families. Having that type of knowledge can mean the difference between saving a life and losing one.

Our Take On Sheriff Country’s Darker Tone

Fire Country has touched on these topics, but that’s not the point of Bode’s journey. His series is about redemption and second chances. It seems that Mickey’s will focus on doing the work of healing while in the thick of a complicated career. Comparatively, she’s also in a position of power and leadership, while Bode is not.

The contrast between the two shows will help set them apart for viewers, giving Sheriff Country the ability to find its own audience without being considered a copy-and-paste of the flagship. But a darker tone doesn’t mean CBS is shooting for a prestige drama. Sheriff Country will still have the lightness commonly found on network TV that balances humor and compelling storylines.